When we build better workplaces, we build better communities.
This is why for the past 44 years, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has hosted an annual Winter School for union members from across British Columbia and the Yukon. Courses offered explore critical issues relevant to today’s workplace and political climate, including increasing the number of women in leadership roles and empowering young workers to take social action. Training is also offered on communication, with both members and management; collective bargaining; critical incident stress management; and occupational health and safety.
CLC Alumni – Union counsellors in the Critical Incident Stress course at CLC Winter School
Additionally, every year the CLC and United Way jointly offer three courses focused on how unions can drive social change through labour community advocacy.
Through the Labour Community Advocates course, participants are trained on how to support fellow workers facing organizational, personal or family challenges. Participants learn communication skills, active listening techniques, knowledge of community resources and referral strategies, equipping them to help fellow workers find appropriate supports. As Labour Community Advocates can be the first point of contact for a coworker in need, the goal of the course is for attendees to leave empowered and energized to act, making them a valuable resource within any union.
A Labour Community Advocates workshop poster.
Donna MacIntosh is the Assistant Director of Resource Development at United Way British Columbia, and a member of CUPE 1760. She believes that learning about labour advocacy is essential to building strong, healthy relationships.
“I signed up for this course because I want to make sure I have the appropriate skills to advocate for, and support my union community – both here at United Way and in the broader community,” she says.
“Attending Winter School helped me learn the different skills necessary to be a more empathetic and curious listener. Because of this, I’m in a better position to help others.”
Over the course of the week, Donna and her classmates practiced interviewing and connecting coworkers with referral service bc211. They were also trained on different health and safety regulations.
“These are all integral skills and information to have when it comes to monitoring the wellness of the worksite or office space.”
Donna MacIntosh receiving her Labour Community Advocates Level 1 Training certificate.
For Donna, this outreach – in combination with fostering strong bonds inside an organization – is the key to ensuring its overall success.
“The skills my classmates and I developed through this course further our ability to show up in our community in a variety of ways,” continues Donna. “United Way and the labour community have a deep history and our visions are very much aligned – to make our communities better for union members and everyone else who calls these spaces home.”
The CLC Winter School opened on January 15 and will conclude on February 23, 2018. For more information about Labour education and upcoming offerings, visit http://www.canadianlabour.ca/labour-education.
Topics : Building strong communities, Labour, Partnerships
